Hells Gate State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Located on a river bottom left over from great Ice Age floods, Hells Gate State Park is full of amazing natural history. 14-million-year-old Basaltic columns from Pomona flows can be viewed at the south end of the park. Additionally, this park was the site of Nez Perce Village, and the remnants of their pit houses can still be viewed to this day.
The park offers all kinds of historical exploration as well as outdoor recreation. This is one you won’t want to miss!
Spring 36-72 F
Summer 55-91 F
Fall 35-79 F
Winter 30-48 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Hells Gate State Park
As is the case with any state park, the very best way to ensure you soak up all that this amazing natural environment has to offer is by camping. For some, this might mean grabbing the tent and packing the sleeping bags. Others much prefer RV camping.
Fortunately, you can experience RV camping even if you don’t own an RV. All you have to do is browse the enormous selection of trailers and motorhomes listed on RVshare to find the perfect rig for your budget and your family.
Once your RV is picked out, the next step is finding a place to park it. In our opinion, the best place to do this is inside of Hells Gate State Park itself. After all, who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by the beauty of this amazing park?
The campground in Hells Gate State Park is well equipped to handle nearly any kind of camper. There are primitive sites for those who like to rough it a bit, as well as sites with water, electric, and sewer for the “glampers” out there. The bathhouses are easy to access, and the dump station is handy for those who choose to camp without a sewer hookup.
Best of all, all the fun of this wonderful park is right outside your door and the price is absolutely unbeatable.
Unfortunately, sometimes it isn’t possible to book a site within the park. In these cases, it’s nice to have a backup plan. Here are some of our favorite options:
Premier RV Resort
Easily one of the nicest RV resorts in the area, you will definitely be comfortable during your stay at Premier RV Resort. This resort is located in Granite Lake, WA and is just minutes from the state park.
Rates here are a bit higher than some other places, but the resort is definitely worth the extra cost. That said, if you feel the need to save a few bucks, be sure to ask about the many discounts offered.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Pull-through sites; laundry facilities; many entertainment and recreation options; clean bathhouses
Hells Canyon Resort
Also located across the border in Washington, Hells Canyon Resort is another fabulous option. Here you’ll find all kinds of recreation opportunities including fishing and swimming. The camp store is handy, and the pet play area is perfect for those who bring their dogs along.
Of course, the kind and welcoming staff should also be noted, as they go out of their way to make your stay a good one.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Clean bathhouses; laundry facilities; store; fishing; swimming; pull-through sites
Chief Timothy Park
Offering a fabulous location, Chief Timothy Park is a wonderful place to be. This park is less than 20 minutes from Hells Gate State Park and right by the highway, meaning it’s easy to return home each night after your outdoor adventures.
This is a COE (Corps of Engineers) park, and as such offers a simple yet solid camping experience at amazing rates.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Pull-through sites; clean bathhouses; playground; beach access
What to Do at
Hells Gate State Park
Inside Hells Gate State Park
So, what’ll you do once you get there? Don’t worry! There are plenty of awesome recreation and exploration opportunities waiting for you inside this awesome park:
Walking, Hiking, and Mountain Biking — Just as you’d expect from any state park, Hells Gate State Park offers some beautiful nature trails. These can be used for hiking or biking, or you can choose to meander slowly, seeing only a small part of a trail. In any case, you’re sure to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of nature.
Swimming — Cool off during the hot summer months by taking a dip in Snake River. The water is cool, clear, and refreshing, offering fun for people of all ages.
Fishing and Boating — The amazing marina at this state park makes it the ideal place to do some boating and fishing. There are over 100 sites with 30-amp power that are available by the day, week, month, or year, as well as a public boat launch. Additionally, kayak and canoe rentals are available during the summer months.
Disc Golf — Disc golf is a super fun game that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The disc golf course at Hells Gate State Park is an intermediate-level, 9-hole course that offers a great opportunity for practice. Be sure to bring your gear!
Museum — The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is located within the park and features a variety of displays, as well as a video. All exhibits focus on the journey of Lewis and Clark through Idaho and beyond, making your visit a wonderful chance to learn something new.
How to Get to
Hells Gate State Park
Hells Gate State Park is located on the east side of Snake River on the aptly named Hells Gate Rd.
The address of the park is:
5100 Hells Gate Rd
Lewiston, ID 83501
Entering Hells Gate State Park
Those who camp in the state park will not be charged a day-use fee.
Hells Gate State Park Per vehicle : $5.0
Hells Gate State Park Idaho State Park Pass : $10.0
Want to tell your story? Send an email to [email protected] and tell us all about your Hells Gate State Park adventure. Your photos and stories may even be featured on our social media feeds, meaning you could have your ten minutes of fame!
Frequently Asked Questions About Hells Gate State Park
The dry season between June and October is the best time to visit Hells Gate State Park. The days get sunny, but the temperatures don't get too hot. There are also plenty of dry days for exploring.
Because Hells Gate State Park sits in a canyon, it tends to be cooler, making summer very pleasant. In the winter, expect snowy days and temperatures that dip well below freezing.
You'll find a lot of wildlife in this Idaho state park. Bring your binoculars to spot hawks and other birds of prey. Also, keep the bear spray handy and hike in groups because bears are plentiful in this area.
At Hells Gate State Park, there are full hook-up RV sites available for back-in and pull-through campers. These campsites even have something very rare — cell service! Book ahead of time to reserve your spot.
Bring your pets to Hells Gate State Park and enjoy the great outdoors together. Remember to always keep dogs on a leash and avoid taking them in indoor public spaces unless they're a service dog.
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